Google Maps Location: https://goo.gl/maps/oFWh2FMP6nS9nPeZ9
The onset of autumn fills the heart of a Bengalee with joy as the countdown begins for the arrival of Devi Durga. Durga Puja is not only about celebrating the goddess, but also nurturing different forms of art, culture and traditions.
The Onset of Autumn marks the Arrival of Devi Durga
Down the timeline of History :
Around 1757, after the Battle of Plassey, Raja Nabakrishna Deb of Shobhabazar Rajbari in North Kolkata, started the tradition of Durga Puja at his rajbari. Skilled potters were brought from Krishnanagar (Nadia district of Bengal) to make idols of the goddess. This is how Kumortuli (kumor - potter, tuli - locality) came into being at Banamali Sarkar Street of Kolkata along the Hoogly riverside.
Pujo at Shobhabajar Rajbari
The Present Picture :
The first sarbojonin (community) puja in Kolkata dates back to the 1910 at Balaram Basu Ghat Road. With time, the number of Durga Pujas grew steadily and the number of kumors in Kumortuli grew to keep pace with the demand for clay idols.
The potter families have been making idols for generations now. The process of idol making is a arduous and intricate task.
Clay Modelling
It takes place in the studios of the kumors along the lanes of Kumortuli. The profession is generally male centric, though in the course of time many women have taken charge of the business to earn their living.
Studio of Mala Pal : a Woman Potter
Making of the Goddess :
The potters make different styles of Durga idols, which includes the two main styles - ‘ek chala’ (the traditional style, where the goddess with her family are placed on one backdrop), and ‘do chala’ (this has more than one backdrop, each idol comes with a separate one).
ek-chala Idol
With the advent of theme based pujas in Kolkata for the past few decades, the style of idol making has incorporated cultural fusion from around the globe. The idols are supplied to different parts of India and worldwide i.e., California, Australia, Africa, etc.
The Arrival of Devi :
As the devi arrives in the Bengali month of Ashwin (September-October), the hustle and bustle reaches it’s peak at the potters’ lane. Mahalaya (the last day of offering tribute to our departed forefathers, i.e., pitripaksha and the beginning of the devipaksha) marks the arrival of Devi Durga. The vibrant streets of Kumortuli at this time of the year is a mesmerizing thing to witness, that attracts thousands of people and photographers from around the world.
Initial stage of making Idols
an evening in Kumortuli
A Sculptor’s Studio at the Potters’ Lane
Initial Stage of Idol Making: The Face of the Idols Left Aside to Dry
Banamali Sarkar Street: Kumortuli, Kolkata
Idols being Painted with Vibrant Colours
An Artist Painting the eyes of the Goddess
Devi on her way to the Pandal
Pujo at Jorasanko Shiv Krishna Daw Bari
Theme based Pujo in Kolkata (1)
Theme based Pujo in Kolkata (2)
The Festival Ends: Bisorjon (Immersion of the Idols)
The immersion ceremony symbolizes the end of the goddess’s annual sojourn to her parental home and she returns to her husband Lord Shiva at their heavenly abode in Mt. Kailash.
Throughout West Bengal, Durga Visarjan is regarded as a major custom. It is customary for ladies to apply vermilion to one another and distribute sweets to celebrate the victory of the good over the evil i.e., goddess Mahishasurmardini. In West Bengal, this tradition is referred to as Thakur Boron. Traditionally, ladies on this day pray to Maa Durga for the long life of their husbands and seek Maa Durga’s blessings for the continuation of prosperity in their household.
Devi on her way to Immersion on Bijoya Dashami
Immersion of the idols in the Ganges
Subho Bijoya!
